MINI SHARK (Pseudeutropius moolenburhae)

Care

Pseudeutropius brachypopterus is an active, midwater shoaling species known from lakes and rivers. This is a peaceful species that is ideally suited to spacious, planted community aquaria. The aquarium should be mature with a dark background, tangles of driftwood, and areas of dense vegetation - leaving an open swimming space along the front of the aquarium. Filtration should be efficient and should provide moderate water movement. P. brachypopterus is best maintained in groups of 5 or more due to a tightly shoaling nature, and larger group sizes will give them more confidence to venture out into the open. This species can be kept alongside most community fish without problems, with the exception of tiny fish or fry; however, do not house with large, boisterous fish as they are easily intimidated. Good companions could include medium-sized peaceful barbs or rasboras, rainbowfish, small loaches, Erethistes hara or E. horai moth catfish, bristlenose catfish, deep-bodied tetras etc. Some shops refer to these fish as 'dwarf Pangasius', such is their resemblance to the shark-like tankbusters. However, despite similar appearances, these fish will grow no longer than 11.5cm, making them a much more suitable aquarium subject. Interestingly, the 8 long barbels may be held backwards and flat against the body, or manoeuvred forwards into a shape akin to an erect umbrella without its cloth - very effective for enveloping small items of food, and fascinating to watch. P. brachypopterus is very similar in appearance to its congener P. moolenburghae, which is from the same region and is also occasionally seen in the trade. P. brachypopterus has a much shorter anal fin with approximately 30 rays, compared with P. moolenburghae, which averages 40 rays.

Feeding

Flake and small frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, and vitamin-enriched brineshrimp.

Breeding

This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.